More than 11,500 families have resettled in Kilinochchi District, but only 1,800 have received financial assistance. Kilinochchi Government Agent T Rasanayagam says Colombo has paid only Rs 29 million of Rs 175.9 million ($1.8 million) requested by his office. According to Mr Rasanayagam, there is less enthusiasm for resettlement because of delays in rehabilitation payments.
At the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs on 15 December, committee chief Bernard Gunatilleke said that an office will be set-up in Kilinochchi and rehabilitation projects will begin as soon as identified. But shortage of trained personnel will be a major challenge. The North-East Education Ministry says 950 schools are damaged in the eight districts of the region. According to the Ministry, Rs 2.4 billion ($25 million) is needed for repair, furniture, water and sanitary facilities.
Torrential rains in late December affected 11,000 families in Kilinochchi, and 2,800 were forced to take refuge in schools and houses of relatives. More than 170 houses collapsed. The World Food Programme provided dry food rations. Local officers say over Rs 2 million is needed for relief, but the government has provided only Rs 600,000.
Thirty six Indian fishermen were detained by local fishermen on 31 December near Pallikudah in Pooneryn, on allegations that they entered Sri Lankan territorial waters and damaged fishing nets. Nine boats were also taken. Reports say that the captured fishermen have been handed over to the GA.
In Vavuniya District, Sivalaxumy Sivasubramaniam, 23, went missing on 29 December, when she went for a wedding. Her body was later found in the jungle in Pulitharitha Puliyankulam.